Italian Law and You

With the 2024 Budget Law, the Italian government is looking to launch a package of tax incentives aimed at encouraging the return of Italian manufacturing activities from non-EU and non-EEA countries. This initiative is part of a broader reform of international tax policy designed to make conditions more competitive for Italian businesses and strengthen the national industrial base. These measures are especially focused on incentivizing “reshoring,” meaning the return to Italy of companies that had previously offshored production. The main goal of these incentives is to bring back to Italy parts of production that, over recent decades, had moved abroad …

Italian citizenship is in high demand, especially for individuals with Italian ancestry. Many people, upon discovering an Italian ancestor in their family tree, seek to apply for citizenship. While the application process itself is relatively straightforward, delays have become common, especially when applying through Italian consulates abroad, which are often overwhelmed with requests. As a result, applicants can face waiting times of several months or even years. With the rise of remote work, some individuals are choosing to move to Italy and apply for citizenship directly at a local City Hall (Comune). While this can sometimes expedite the process, it’s …

If you own a property in Italy, this article may be of interest to you, even more so if your property is vacant. Recent changes in Italian law aim to protect property owners from unauthorized occupation, a concern for many, especially those living elsewhere or abroad. On Sept. 10, Italy’s Parliament (Camera dei Deputati) approved a proposed law focused on enhancing urban security and reinforcing property rights. A key issue addressed by this legislation is unauthorized occupation, which has been on the rise. The new law introduces provisions to ensure quicker recovery of properties and stronger penalties for illegal occupants. …

As the American presidential election approaches, some may wonder how the posts differ in America vs. Italy. How does the election work in Italy? What powers does the president have?  Is the position as high-profile as it is in America? While the U.S and Italian presidents share a title, their roles and powers are worlds apart, reflecting the distinct ways Italy and the United States have structured their political systems In Italy, the president of the republic is largely a ceremonial figure. Serving a seven-year term, the president is selected by an electoral college of Parliament members and regional representatives. …

For many Italian Americans, the dream of returning to their ancestral homeland lingers. But tax concerns can often be a major deterrent. Those concerns might be overcome by the extension of the so-called New Inpatriate Tax Regime. Although there are some aspects that are less favorable than the previous special tax regime, the new regime applicable as of January 1, 2024, still has some interesting perks to offer. The new program is designed to attract highly skilled professionals back to Italy by offering significant tax breaks and making relocating and working in Italy a more financially attractive proposition than ever …

Italy recently passed the Salva Casa (Save the Home) decree, a legislative package with the potential to revitalize the country’s housing market. The decree tackles a surprising hurdle: A large portion of Italian homes (estimates suggest up to 80%) have minor irregularities or deviations from building codes. These often insignificant irregularities, like an unpermitted balcony enclosure or a slightly misplaced internal wall, can significantly complicate selling a home, obtaining financing or accessing government assistance. The decree seeks to streamline the process of rectifying these minor issues. This could involve a simplified amnesty program where homeowners pay a penalty based on …

The Italian government has issued the final piece of legislation necessary to implement the Digital Nomad Visa, a game-changing instrument for highly skilled workers from outside the European Union. With the Decree of the Ministry of the Interior dated Feb. 29, 2024, published in the Official Gazette on April 4, 2024, it is now possible for non-EU citizens to apply to work and live in Italy without falling under the complex maximum quota legislation. The visa is aimed at non-EU nationals who perform highly qualified work using technological tools that allow them to work remotely. They can either be self-employed …

Leasing a property in Italy is a different from the rental process you may be accustomed to in the U.S. Here’s a breakdown of key things to know: Finding an Apartment: Forget the multi-listing systems you might use in the States. In Italy, real estate agents typically focus on specific properties, not finding them for you. So, if you see 10 apartments you like, you may need to contact 10 different agencies. Agent Communication: Sending lengthy emails with desired features (hardwood floors, balcony) might not be the most effective approach. Focus on the essential details (location, size, bedrooms) in your …

Dealing with immigration matters can be tricky, especially when it comes to your visa or residence permit in Italy. A visa is a document, usually stamped in a passport, that allows a person to enter a country for a certain period of time, while a residence permit is a document that allows a person to stay in a country for an extended period of time (for work, study, family reasons or other). If you are entering the country for tourist purposes, as long as you do not exceed the 90-day period, no visa is required. It is crucial to know …

We have received a number of questions regarding the most common legal problems faced by foreigners who are traveling to, doing business in, and living in Italy. The answers often depend on how long you plan to stay in Italy, why you’re there, and how well you know Italian culture. We’ll be answering these questions in the course of the next several columns. What are some of the major differences in the Italian and American legal systems? The legal systems of Italy and the United States have many differences rooted in their historical origins and foundational principles. Italy follows a …